SPRINGFIELD – In a Capitol press conference on Tuesday with House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), House Assistant Republican Leader Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) spoke on behalf of the Supporting Women & Families working group. Rep. Haas was chosen to chair this working group and spoke on Tuesday about the need to make Illinois a place where families can move and grow for generations.
“Illinois families face stark realities on a daily basis, including an acute shortage of child care workers, climbing costs of living, and the recruitment and retention of teachers and medical professionals,” said Rep. Haas. “I’m looking forward to leading the Supporting Women & Families working group to find legislative solutions for the many challenges Illinois families face. From public safety to education to behavioral health, we can work together to improve our state and make it a place for families to call home for generations.”
Rep. Haas has over 30 years of experience as a community social worker and possesses expertise working with underserved populations. She also has served as the CEO of the Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health in Kankakee for 23 years. In addition to her professional experience, Rep. Haas will serve as the House Republican Spokesperson for the House Health Care Availability & Access and Mental Health & Addiction Committees. She was also appointed by Leader McCombie to serve on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), a bipartisan, bicameral legislative oversight committee, for the 103rd General Assembly.
The additional working groups Leader McCombie created are the Sustaining & Protecting At-Risk Kids working group headed by Rep. Tom Weber (R-Fox Lake), the Reigniting Illinois’ Strong Economy (RISE) working group headed by Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva), the Literacy Improves Future Endeavors working group headed by Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton), and the Improving Public Safety working group headed by House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis).